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Are you a city person or a country person? I’m a sort of both
I was thinking about a great cultural dichotomy that runs throughout much of America's history: That metaphorical divide between city, which equals EVIL, and country, which equals GOOD and innocent. (Give me a break, I know. Probably only academics and writers think about such things -- I'm NOT an academic.)
Perhaps you aren't even aware of this city/country division that permeates American culture, but it's there and it's been there since early colonial times in America. Read the Founding Fathers, especially Jefferson, and you'll find the constant theme that "back to nature" or "natural" life in the countryside is desirable over the inherent deceptions and outright evil associated with city living.
Anyway, thinking about all that led me to thinking about my own experiences or preferences. If I had my first choice, I would live either in or near Seattle, Boston, or, yes, the Biggie -- New York City. But, given mostly financial constraints, as well as where my kids are located, I doubt I'll need to contact any New York movers to pack me up for transport to the Big Apple -- or any other apple beyond a local apple orchard or two. It costs tons more money than I could afford just to live a frugal, basic, POOR life in Seattle, Boston, or NYC.
But I think back to the two short (a few days each) business trips I took to New York City way back in the 1990s and I have to tell you: I know I would prefer it over "country" living.
On the other hand, I do enjoy mountains, beaches, and streams. I like watching corn growing in Nebraska, Kansas, Colorado, and Missouri corn fields. I have to admit I would feel poorer for it had I never lived in small towns, small cities, and on a couple of occasions tiny villages.
That's what makes America great, would be my bet: That cultural city/country dichotomy is just plan messed up. There are really good things about BOTH. Enjoy your day wherever you are!
Technorati Tags: American culture, city living, country living, take time for living
